Florida grasshopper sparrows
are the United States’ most endangered bird. We recognized the need to
keep these uniquely Floridian birds in our state and joined the breeding
program in 2019. Our Zoo is part of a collaborative conservation effort
to save this species with the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow Working
Group, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, United States
Air Force, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Archbold Biological
Station.
This species is only found in a few areas in Central and
South Florida and has lost approximately 85% of their natural habitat to
agriculture. Nonnative fire ants (which invade nests and feed on
chicks), disease and genetic bottlenecking may be hastening the
sparrows’ decline.
We first took in individuals in September of
2019 as a holding facility. Birds were brought into temporary habitats
off exhibit until a permanent structure could be built. Thanks to help
from our Zoo supporters, a behind-the-scenes outdoor habitat was
constructed and in March 2021 was ready for inhabitants. Native plants,
perching, grasses for nesting, hollowed-out logs for shelter and
multiple water and seed sources to provide the most natural environment
possible for our sparrows.
In 2021, just over 100 Florida
grasshopper sparrows were detected in their natural habitat. Our very
first successful breeding season in 2022 resulted in more than 40 birds
being released back into their native range!
There is still a long
way to go, but due to the hard work of Brevard Zoo’s Conservation Team
and its partners, more Florida grasshopper sparrows are now flying
around their natural range. You can stay up-to-date on our Zoo’s Florida
grasshopper sparrow conservation breeding program on our blog.
